The Ranger

Every plow hits Riverton streets

No snow removal truck was left behind Monday morning in Riverton as crews set out to battle heavy snowfall and strong winds that were expected to linger through Tuesday evening.

The National Weather Service has anticipated snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches from Riverton to Hudson with higher amounts in Fort Washakie.

Riverton's Lands Division foreman Gregg Schaub said the city's fleet of snow removal trucks, some equipped with blowers, sanders or buckets, was out again after midnight Tuesday, plowing what the National Weather Service said was an additional 6 to 8 inches of snow that had accumulated by 1 a.m.

As of Tuesday morning, Schaub reported that all 11 trucks were out plowing the snow, especially at Riverton Regional Airport, which has priority over any city streets.

Schaub said people should resist from shoveling the snow from their homes or property back to the gutters after crews have shoveled it toward their property. He suggested shoveling it onto the lawn.

"It would help us a lot," he said. "Once it starts melting, the gutters get plugged up with snow, and it makes more problems."

The city also has other guidelines and areas of priority when the snow is drifting with the high winds.

Crews took a break early Tuesday but were ready to continue the work.

"We'll have to go out and do it again. It's cold, and it's not going to melt immediately," Schaub said.

Riverton director of public services Bill Urbigkit said the city has received complaints from people saying they've been blocked in their driveways, while others have also called commending the city for a job well done.

He said crews will continue to work with the challenges. The high winds have made the plowing more difficult, and crews have to plow the snow in one direction.

He said the schools closing eased the burden.

"It makes it safer," Urbigkit said. "We really appreciate it when the schools are willing to do that."